Oregon Public Broadcasting

There may be signs of an economic turnaround on the horizon, but it's not going to come soon enough to spare Washington state government from further cuts. 

That's according to Democratic Governor Chris Gregoire.  She briefed reporters Monday on her plans to cut another $2 billion from the state budget.

Chris Gregoire: "I hear this all the time: 'Well, if you just got rid of the inefficiency, that would solve the problem.'   This is how big the problem is.  Sorry, that doesn't work.  It's not nickel and diming around the edges.  It's frustrating to talk about $2 billion."

The governor says she's seriously looking at eliminating entire programs to close the budget hole. 

Cuts may include state subsidized health insurance for the working poor and a welfare program for single adults with mental or physical disabilities.